BOSTON — The Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development on Tuesday reported that the June 2012 seasonally unadjusted unemployment rates were down in the Barnstable, Fall River, Nantucket and Tisbury areas; unchanged in the Pittsfield area; and up in the other seventeen areas over the month. Over the year, the rates are down in all 22 labor areas.

The Pittsfield metro area saw the addition of 300 jobs over May; both the North Adams and Great Barrington labor market areas also saw a jump in seasonal jobs.

In June 2012, over-the-month job gains occurred in eight of the 12 areas that estimates are published because of seasonal increases. The largest gains occurred in the Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, Barnstable (Cape Cod), Worcester, and Springfield areas.

Statewide, the June seasonally unadjusted unemployment rate was 6.3 percent, up 0.5 of a percentage point from 5.8 percent recorded in May. Over the year, the statewide unadjusted rate was down 1.3 percentage points from the June 2011 unadjusted rate of 7.6 percent.

The seasonally unadjusted rate for Pittsfield is 6.2 percent, down from 7.4 percent in June 2011. North Adams is 7 percent, down from 8.7 in June 2011 but still up a half-point from May; Great Barrington's rate is 4.3 percent, down from 5.5 percent in June 2011.

Over the year, 11 of the 12 areas for which estimates are published added jobs with the largest percentage gains in the Haverhill-North Andover-Amesbury, Peabody, and Boston-Cambridge-Quincy areas.

The seasonally adjusted statewide June unemployment rate, released on July 19, remained unchanged over the month at 6.0 percent, and down 1.4 percentage points from the 7.4 percent rate recorded in June 2011. The statewide seasonally adjusted jobs estimate showed a 2,600 job loss over the month.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Berkshire Chamber of Commerce is seeking employers to exhibit at the 2012 Berkshire Career Fair on Thursday, April 26 at Berkshire Hills Country Club.

The Berkshire Career Fair is open to the general public from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. and attendees are encouraged to bring copies of their resumes.

Last year, more than 40 companies participated, offering an array of job opportunities from entry level to high-level management positions.

"We have many quality employers returning to the career fair again this year, allowing job-seekers to see first-hand the exciting employment opportunities available in the region and giving them the opportunity to make valuable face-to-face connections with a variety of businesses," said Christine Hoyt, director of programs and events for the Berkshire Chamber of Commerce. "We look forward to another great Career Fair."

Career fair exhibitors may choose between six-foot and eight-foot tables, each with table skirting. Prices for Berkshire Chamber members are $99 for the six-foot table or $125 for the eight-foot table. Non-members prices are $150 for a six-foot table or $180 for the eight-foot table. For more information or to reserve a spot, contact Christine Hoyt at 413-499-4000, ext. 26 or choyt@berkshirechamber.com.

As an added benefit, the Berkshire Chamber of Commerce is offering a series of workshops in association with BerkshireWorks Career Center to help exhibitors and job-seekers alike prepare for this highly anticipated event.

"Western Massachusetts offers a prosperous future for businesses looking to move to the region," said Peter J. Clarke, president and chief operating officer of WMECo. "WMECo proudly produces this publication in order to expose the many appealing attributes of this unique location."

The report compares the region to other areas of New England and the nation. Some of its findings are not surprising, such as lower housing and costs of living, the high number of educational and cultural institutions and the proximity of urban centers and rail and air transport. The cost of living is near the national average but housing costs are 6 percent below. The per capita income is $37,888.

Among the reports findings:

* A third of the population 25 and older holds at least bachelor's degree
* Less than 10 percent of total resident employement is in manufacturing
* One of the nation's highest concentrations of colleges and universities
* One of the nation's highest concentrations of health-care related employment

The Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development on Tuesday reported that the November seasonally unadjusted unemployment rates were down over-the-month in 19 areas and up in three areas — Tisbury, Nantucket and Barnstable. Statewide, the November seasonally unadjusted unemployment rate was 6.4 percent, down from 6.8 percent in October. Over-the-year the statewide rate was down 1.7 percentage points from the 8.1 percent rate recorded for November 2010. All 22 labor area rates were down over the year.

In November, over-the-month job gains occurred in the Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, Brockton-Bridgewater-Easton, Worcester, Framingham, Springfield, Leominster-Fitchburg-Gardner, and New Bedford areas. Five areas posted job losses, including the Pittsfield, which shed 300 jobs.

Over-the-year, all 12 areas added jobs with the largest gains in the Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, Worcester, Framingham and Springfield areas. The largest percentage gains occurred in the Pittsfield, Worcester and Brockton-Bridgewater-Easton areas.

Pittsfield Metro

Total Employment

Over-the-year

Nov. 2010

35,600

8.2 %

1,300 job gain

Nov. 2011

36,900

6.6%

up 3.7 %

The statewide seasonally adjusted jobs estimate released on Dec. 15 showed a 5,000 over-the-month job gain. The seasonally adjusted statewide November unemployment rate dropped to 7 percent from the October rate of 7.3 percent, and was down 1.3 percentage points from the 8.3 percent rate recorded in November 2010. The national rate is 8.6 percent, down from 9.8 percent in November 2010.

The unadjusted unemployment rates and job estimates for the labor market areas reflect seasonal fluctuations and therefore may show different levels and trends than the statewide seasonally adjusted estimates.

The December 2011 unemployment rate, labor force data and jobs estimates for Massachusetts will be released on Jan. 19, 2012; local unemployment statistics will be released on Jan. 24, 2012. Detailed labor market information is available at www.mass.gov/lmi. See the revised February 2011 Media Advisory annual schedule for complete listing of release dates.

BOSTON – The Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development reported Thursday that preliminary October estimates show an increase of 10,800 jobs in Massachusetts, for a total of 3,239,300 jobs. The total unemployment rate remained at 7.3 percent, well below the national rate of 9.0 percent, and the state's lowest monthly rate since January 2009.

Eight of the 10 private sectors added jobs in October with the largest gains in Education and Health Services (4,700); Financial Activities (1,900); Construction (1,700); Professional, Scientific, and Business Services (1,700); and Government (2,600). There were losses over the month in Leisure and Hospitality (2,700) and Information (1,300) although both sectors are still up over last year.

The October job gain follows a revised 5,500 job loss in September.

The October estimates show 3,237,700 Massachusetts residents were employed and 253,500 were unemployed, for a total labor force of 3,491,200. The labor force increased by 12,400 from 3,478,800 in September, as 13,900 more residents were employed and 1,500 fewer residents were unemployed over-the-month. Since October 2009, there are 69,300 more residents employed and 50,900 fewer residents unemployed as the labor force increased by 18,400. Totals for October may not add exactly because of rounding.